Feature Stories Archives - First Tee

First Tee – Ontario partners with Indigenous communities across Ontario to positively impact youth

Golf Canada is committed to ensuring that golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. First Tee – Ontario continues to strengthen its allyship and existing bonds with Indigenous communities across the province to collaboratively provide meaningful experiences to Indigenous youth through golf.

To date, First Tee – Ontario has partnered with seven Indigenous schools and community centres across the province, including Akwasasne Mohawk School, Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre, Six Nations of the Grand River Community (Dajoh Facility), Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Anishnabeg Outreach Centre, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

In addition, four partnered golf courses, including Roseland Golf Club, MontHill Golf and Country Club, Archies Family Golf Centre, and Briar Fox Golf Club are serving Indigenous youth through on-course programming.

“Having the First Tee program at MontHill Golf and Country Club provides youth on Six Nations of the Grand River with opportunities to learn the game of golf,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Melanie Burgess. “Being Indigenous owned, we take pride in reducing the barriers to participation in this sport.”

First Tee – Ontario builds out community “hubs” made up of partnered community centres or organizations, schools and nearby golf courses.

The intention is to first introduce children to golf through no-cost events or programming at partnered community centres and schools, then transition them to affordable on-course programming at nearby golf courses.

Thanks to the support of RBC and corporate donors, more than half of the First Tee – Ontario golf course locations serving Indigenous communities offer programming at no cost.

“Parents don’t need to worry about the financial commitment of typical junior golf programs or purchasing equipment,” said Program Coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, Kyarra Hasmatali. “The kids can show up as they are, with no experience, and have fun. Whether they have never held a golf club or are familiar with the sport, First Tee welcomes everyone.”

First Tee – Ontario has also received generous support from Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO) through hosting Try Golf events and advocating for First Tee within their network. The ISWO’s efforts have helped build awareness and connections, onboard more program locations, and reach more Indigenous youth.

First Tee – Ontario programming primarily serves youth ages seven to 13 – a key stage in development, and programming is unique in the way it incorporates a curriculum that helps progress both golf skills and life skills simultaneously.

While participants learn how to swing a golf club and practice distance control, they are also learning about goal setting and how to be the most confident version of themselves.

“Improving golf skills is just one aspect of our program. The real goal is to build confidence and connections,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Steve Pronger. “As kids develop their golf skills on the course, they also gain self-assurance, learn to connect with others, and grow more comfortable with who they are each week.”

Looking ahead, First Tee – Ontario is excited to strengthen existing relationships and create new connections with Indigenous communities across the province.

First Tee – Ontario aims to expand programming in 2025 to include ages 14 to 16, providing additional opportunities for adolescents to discover and develop through the game of golf.

The reach of First Tee – Ontario across the province, and within Indigenous communities, is made possible by a generous network of supporters who believe and share the mission of championing youth and growing the game of golf.

To get involved in your community, or to donate to First Tee – Ontario visit https://firstteeontario.ca/giving/.

How to make your golf course more inclusive

At First Tee – Ontario, we value inclusivity and acceptance. There are many impactful ways you can make your golf course a more inclusive environment to everyone that visits.

Offer diverse programming

Provide a variety of programs or events for different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. This includes golf programming for youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, specific tee times throughout the week for beginners, and encouraging women’s participation through women’s leagues or tournaments.

Get involved with your community

Build connections with local schools, community groups and organizations nearby to promote golf. This helps introduce golf and encourages participation among a range of individuals – from youth to retired folks who may have not thought of golf as a sport for them.

Provide accessible facilities

To ensure that everyone feels welcomed and accommodated at your course, restrooms, parking and walkways should be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Many courses also have gender neutral washrooms available.

Educate your staff

Provide education on diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued when they visit your course. At First Tee – Ontario, we require all staff, coaches and volunteers to complete the Respect Group training program, as well as upholding Safe Sport Policies.

Provide affordable options

Financial barriers should never stand in the way of enjoying the game. Offering equipment rentals, affordable lessons, and special membership packages such as family rates or student rates are all options that can contribute to a more inclusive course.

Promote diversity

Highlight a diverse range of golfers, coaches, and staff at your course and through your online channels. In addition, think of ways your course can celebrate or acknowledge days of diversity such as pride month.

Get involved with First Tee – Ontario

Become a Program Location

First Tee is offered at golf courses across the country. If you’re interested in becoming a program location, click here (https://firstteeontario.ca/become-a-program-location)

Green Fees Grow the Game

In a few simple steps, you can support your community by adding a $1 donation to each green fee. Learn more about how to get started: https://firstteecanada.ca/greenfees/

What to expect at a First Tee – Ontario session

Trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. However, it can also be intimidating. While First Tee – Ontario aims to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable heading into your first session.

Here’s what you can expect:

A warm welcome

From the moment you arrive, expect to be greeted by a friendly First Tee coach and/or volunteer. Coaches are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every participant feels valued and supported.

As part of First Tee – Ontario’s commitment to safety, all First Tee – Ontario coaches and volunteers receive background checks and must complete Safe Sport and Respect in Sport training. In addition, First Tee – Ontario coaches are trained and certified by the joint efforts of First Tee and the PGA of Canada.

Golf equipment and attire are not necessary

Come as you are! We provide appropriate junior golf equipment and encourage kids to wear whatever they feel most confident in. We recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Our coaches modify the equipment and activities based on age level and skill. Some participants or sessions start with plastic clubs and tennis balls to ensure a safe environment, then work their way up to feeling comfortable with golf irons and balls.

Intro to basic golf skills

Participants will learn the fundamental skills of golf in a fun and interactive setting. From gripping the club to mastering the swing, our coaches are there every step of the way to provide guidance and encouragement.

The First Tee program incorporates many other sports and games into sessions. For example, using unique versions of bowling or tic-tac-toe to teach chipping, putting speed, and distance control.

Life skills integration

First Tee – Ontario is more than a golf program. We aim to provide kids with tools for success both on and off the course. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that continue to foster life skills like inner strength, self-confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect.

To achieve this, we incorporate a life lesson or skill into every session. For instance, if the life skill or theme of the month is honesty, the coach will discuss the importance of honest scoring and have teams keep track of their score during a game or competition. Participants will discuss amongst the group why honesty is so important in the game of golf and at school and home.

Empowering environment

Coaches and volunteers are there to offer guidance, support, and plenty of high fives. Here at First Tee – Ontario, we celebrate every milestone no matter how small.

Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids can feel nervous during their first session. We like to remind them that every golfer was once a beginner! We all start somewhere.

What’s next?

How do you stay connected after your child loved their experience with First Tee – Ontario? Sign up for our newsletter for updates and visit your chapter’s registration page to find spring, summer, and fall programming near you.

If your child is ready for a round of golf, check out Youth on Course to learn more about courses near you that offer $5 subsidized rounds for children under 18.

First Tee – Ontario teams up with ParaGolf Ontario at the 25th Lieutenant Governor Games

On February 24^th 2023, First Tee – Ontario, in collaboration with ParaGolf Ontario, offered First Tee programming at the 35^th Lieutenant Governor Games at Variety Village in Scarborough, Ontario.

Variety Village is a sport, training, and life skills facility for people of all ages and abilities. Their programs service and promote accessible and inclusive healthy active living opportunities and empower people with disabilities to participate and feel seen and included.

This year, 750 youth of all abilities from schools and surrounding community organizations participated in inclusive activities such as tae kwon do, ballet, wheelchair basketball, dance, sitting volleyball, curling, and more. The event welcomed Tom Brown as official emcee, Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, Karen Stintz, President and CEO, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario, and Henoc Muamba, Toronto Argos Grey Cup Champion.

Variety Village is a First Tee – Ontario community centre location and will be offering First Tee programming starting this year.

First Tee – Canada introduces youth to golf through inclusive and accessible golf environments at golf courses, schools, and community centres while providing life-enhancing development opportunities through sport.

“Variety Village is one of the many locations offering First Tee that share our vision of providing accessible and inclusive pathways to sport. Together, we are providing empowering opportunities through sport to all children, regardless of their age, abilities, or backgrounds,” said Amaya Athill, Manager, First Tee – Ontario. “Through partnerships like this one, we are able to make a greater impact in the community.”

For more information on First Tee – Ontario programming, or how to become a First Tee location, please email [email protected].

Oakdale Golf and Country Club Makes an Impact Beyond the Course

Oakdale Golf and Country Club is not only the host of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, but with a goal to make an impact beyond the championship, it has also opened its gates to children and non-golfing families in the community. By the end of this year, Oakdale will have introduced nearly 150 local youth to golf through First Tee – Ontario, at no cost to the participants, due to the generosity of the club’s membership.

First Tee is a youth development program that provides children with life-enhancing experiences through golf. First Tee – Ontario offers accessible introductory golf programming at golf courses, schools, and community centres, striving to ensure that the sport of golf reflects the diversity of Canadians.

Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada, which is operational in nearly every region of the country, apart from Alberta, which is set to launch this summer.

As a private golf club, Oakdale’s access is typically reserved for members and guests. But with First Tee, Oakdale is setting itself apart from other private clubs by providing inclusive access to the game for high-density, lower-income neighbouring communities. Nearly 70 children from the nearby Oakdale Community Centre participated in First Tee programming last summer. This summer, more than 50 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Jane and Finch will be taking a short bus ride to the course to experience all that the sport has to offer.

“Our goal is to introduce golf to children from all backgrounds,” says Amaya Athill, Program Manager, First Tee – Ontario. “Together, we are actively addressing barriers such as affordability and accessibility by leveraging our resources to provide opportunities for meaningful access to golf.”

First Tee prides itself on providing empowering environments where children feel welcomed, safe to fail, and excited to grow. The curriculum is designed to introduce golf to children as young as five and incorporates a life skill component while focusing on having fun. Activities are modified to the age and ability of the participants and can include familiar sports such as baseball or bowling, but with a golf twist, while weaving in the continued development of skills such as confidence, perseverance, and integrity.

The junior golf coaches at Oakdale, Bob Beauchemin (Ontario Golf Hall of Famer and 2022 recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award), and Izidor Markic, underwent First Tee training through the PGA of Canada last year. They have since immersed themselves in the brand and mission of introducing youth to golf, especially those who would not have otherwise had the opportunity and making a positive influence in their lives.

“It’s rewarding to be a part of this program, and a bigger movement to grow the game of golf. For most of the children, it’s their first time on a golf course,” said Bob Beauchemin, First Tee – Ontario Coach and Oakdale’s Director of Instruction. “To be a part of that first introduction to golf and then to see them progress through the program and gain confidence and skills, with a smile on their face, is amazing. We look forward to the continued success of First Tee in years to come.”

This year at the RBC Canadian Open, First Tee – Ontario and Golf Canada will host over 1,000 children from local community centres and the Toronto District School Board for behind-the-scenes tours and golf activations. The hope is to introduce children to golf in a fun and positive environment and expose them to the opportunities that are available in the world of golf, in addition to playing.

Beauchemin and his accompanying volunteer coaching staff have upheld Oakdale’s mission of making family the heart of their operations. Through First Tee – Ontario, Oakdale has created its own small family of golfers from the course’s very own backyard.

To date, First Tee – Ontario has nearly 20 golf facilities, 16 community centres, and 20 schools delivering programming across the province. To learn more about programming near you, or to donate, visit firstteeontario.ca.

In The News: Ridgeway’s Cherry Hill Club tees off for youth golf program

NIAGARA, ON, December 2022 – An organization dedicated to teaching kids life skills through the sport of golf has received a financial boost from the Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway.

Proceeds from various events held over the past year to celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary were donated to First Tee Ontario and First Tee Western New York. Each club received $1,670.

“We wanted to give back to the game that we have been fortunate to enjoy at Cherry Hill for generations,” said Mike Reynolds, the club’s president. “First Tee is a great organization that teaches life skills while introducing youth to the wonderful game of golf.”

Reynolds said it was a natural fit to help out First Tee.

“We’re proud to be launching this partnership,” Reynolds said. “Cherry Hill was founded in Ridgeway by a group of nine men from Buffalo. We have always embodied the spirit of bi-national co-operation behind this new initiative, and we are excited to lend our club’s support.”

Jason Hraynyk of First Tee Ontario said the organization is new to Canada so the funding — and the partnership with First Tee Western New York — is important.

“Tim (First Tee Western New York’s Tim Karches) and I met in Dallas and just started instantly to work together,” Hraynyk said. “First Tee launched in late 2020 here in Canada, so the opportunity as a new operation to work and collaborate with an established chapter like Western New York will be beneficial to our chapter and benefit young golfers from the U.S. and Canada.”

“Hundreds of kids across Western New York are in the program,” Karches said. “We’re bringing the two side together.”

First Tee, Karches, said, is a way to teach kids the skills they need in life in a fun way through sport, adding that if they continue in the sport it is a bonus.

“We like to say, ‘Better golfers, better people.’”

Full article can be found at:
https://www.niagarathisweek.com/news-story/10812629-ridgeway-s-cherry-hill-club-tees-off-for-youth-golf-program/
https://www.wellandtribune.ca/local-fort-erie/news/2022/12/26/ridgeway-s-cherry-hill-club-tees-off-for-youth-golf-program.html

Just the Beginning for First Tee – Ontario

The short game for First Tee programming may be rooted in golf, but the long game is much more than that. The main objective of First Tee – Canada youth development programming is for participants to use the life skills learned through golf to navigate their journeys through life and opportunities thought previously inaccessible.

Golf Canada launched its partnership with First Tee in 2020, and First Tee – Canada began in 2021 under the operation of its provincial chapters, delivering programming at golf facilities, schools, and community centres.

With summer programs wrapped up, First Tee – Ontario fall programming is underway at 20 locations across the province with curriculums developed for each environment and modified to different ages and abilities.

The activities use golf as a vehicle to reinforce life skills, focused on the program’s five key commitments: pursuing goals, growing through challenge, collaborating with others, building positive self-identity, and using good judgement. First Tee – Ontario provides instructors with interactive training, equipment, and turnkey lesson plans to deliver safe and inclusive programming.

Golf Canada’s commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusivity in golf is a driving force behind the growth of First Tee – Canada and its provincial chapters. The aim is to break down existing barriers to sport participation, particularly in traditionally marginalized communities, and ultimately diversify golf’s participant pool to more closely reflect the strength of Canada’s multiculturalism.

First Tee – Ontario Program Manager Amaya Athill is responsible for overseeing the implementation of programming across the province and having a hand in providing youth with empowering and life-changing experiences. At this year’s RBC Canadian Open, her team provided an extended experience for First Tee – Ontario community program participants from local Boys and Girls Clubs to show them what life on and off the tee box can look like.

“The messaging that children often see is that a successful career pathway in sports is to rise to the level of a professional competitor. There is so much that goes into running a professional golf tournament and event of that size, so the idea was to expose as many children as possible to a wider world of opportunities and careers within golf and the sports industry. This included behind-the-scenes tours of the agronomy, media, and volunteer services teams,” said Athill. “Access to these experiences and exposure to future opportunities in the sport is a gap we hope to bridge through First Tee.”

As both an accomplished human rights lawyer and golfer since the age of five, Athill’s professional background and personal relationship with the game intersect seamlessly with the First Tee program, as they all value accessibility and opportunity.

“This is just the beginning of First Tee – Ontario’s impact,” said Athill. “We look forward to making more connections with schools, coaches, and community centres, and providing more youth with access to golf, as well as inspiring experiences and opportunities.”

With Ontario’s chapter experiencing rapid short-term growth, Ian Gragtmans – First Tee – Ontario’s Founding Chapter Donor and Trustee – expressed excitement about recent strides and confidence that the Gragtmans Family Foundation’s decision to support this cause was the correct one.

His decision to support the launch of the program was less influenced by the game of golf, but rather by a desire to help support the long-term development journeys of First Tee program participants.

“It’s not just about the golf, it has everything to do with helping those that were underrepresented, and giving younger people a chance,” said Gragtmans. “I want to help those that probably don’t have a chance of coming out of whatever challenging time they’re going through.”

With the help of generous donors like the Gragtmans Family Foundation, Golf Canada has fast-tracked access to these spaces where youth can learn self-sustaining life skills in a program that has over 25 years of international experience.

Gragtmans shared his personal experience engaging people who were direct participants of First Tee in the U.S.

“I have been fortunate enough to spend time in the U.S. – meeting and speaking with some of the participants that have gone through the program, and it’s nothing shy of remarkable to see what the potential is for those that may not otherwise, if not for First Tee, had that opportunity, or exposure,” said Gragtmans.

The Golf Canada Foundation is continuously pursuing gifts, which allow First Tee – Ontario to expand its locations across the province and further impact the lives of Canadian youth. To get involved, please visit www.firstteeontario.ca.

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Second Annual First Tee – Ontario Cup In The Books

It was a special (and chilly) day at the prestigious Goodwood Golf Club, raising $50,000 towards expanding First Tee – Ontario programming at golf facilities, schools, and community centres across the province.

Many thanks are due to all those who participated in the event and to the sponsors who helped make the day such a success. Special thanks to Goodwood Golf Club staff and the Stollery Family for generously hosting and providing First Tee supporters with the chance to exclusively play one of Canada’s top courses.

RBC, TaylorMade, Bennett Jones, Golf Ontario, F1Tech, Full Wedge, Noble Estates, HUB, BDO, OJTBF, and more – thank you for sponsoring this event and supporting First Tee – ON.

Together, we are Building Game Changers.

Congratulations to our winners of the 2022 First Tee – Ontario Cup (Will Edwards, Jim Robinson, Jesse Mighton, Alex Jerome) and to our Closest to the Pin (Nancy Bertrand, Tim Evans) winners.

Interested in getting involved in next year’s First Tee – Ontario Cup? Looking to donate to First Tee – Ontario? Know of a golf facility that would like to come on board at the programming level? Reach out to Jason Hraynyk, [email protected].

Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games Showcases First Tee – Ontario

28th edition of the Canada Games helps introduce First Tee – Ontario, youth-focused golf and life skill development programming, to the Niagara Region.

NIAGARA, August 2022 – The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games are pleased to support and collaborate with Golf Canada and the Ontario chapter of First Tee – Canada to further enrich youth in the Niagara Region.

The 2022 Canada Games take place from August 6th to the 21st, welcoming over 5,000 young athletes and coaches to compete for the podium in Canada’s largest multi-sport event. Niagara 2022’s golf competition will take place at the beautiful and challenging Legends on the Niagara’s
Battlefield Course with practice rounds on August 15th and 16th followed by four competition rounds from August 17th to 20th. Ten provinces and one territory will compete in teams of two boys and two girls for both team and individual medals. Golf Canada will conduct the competition along with a team of 2022 Canada Games staff and volunteers.

On Tuesday (August 16), First Tee – Ontario invited a group of local children to Legends on the Niagara Golf Course to join a day of fun activities. The group participated in a First Tee golf clinic using the driving range and practice green and got the special opportunity to walk alongside an
athlete as their “honourary caddie” for one hole during practice rounds.

The activation provided an opportunity for children and families to learn more about what the game of golf has to offer through First Tee – Ontario, and for youth to witness first-hand the endless opportunities available to them in the world of sport.

The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games promote community development, youth advocacy, and sport development. The Niagara 2022 Host Society is excited to support a like-minded program such as First Tee – Ontario.

“We are proud to share our platform with, and spread awareness of, First Tee – Ontario,” said Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games Sport Lead Tracy Murphy. “This is a program that aligns with our values and provides youth with the opportunity to experience and reap all the benefits sports have to offer. We look forward to a long-term collaboration with First Tee – Ontario and wish the program success and prosperity in the Niagara Region, and beyond.”

First Tee – Ontario is delivered at golf facilities, schools, and community centres with curriculum and coach training specifically designed for each of these environments, providing youth aged five to 18 with affordable access to learn fundamental golf skills, and life skills and values developed through sport.

Programming began in late 2021. To date, there are 11 First Tee – Ontario program locations across the province, two of which are in the Niagara Region. Locations are primarily chosen to engage with equity-deserving groups and under-served communities.

“We are grateful for the support and excitement from Canada Games. The positive impact that First Tee can make within communities would not be possible without our generous and supportive network,” said Golf Canada’s Grow the Game Director, Adam Hunter. “We hope the group had fun, learned something about sports, or themselves, and went home with a smile on their face. That’s what First Tee – Canada is about, providing youth with an inclusive space to feel empowered through sport.”

Golf Canada joined forces with First Tee in 2020, and First Tee – Canada was born. There are currently more than 80 program locations operating under provincial chapters in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and the Atlantic regions. As the program grows, First Tee – Ontario continues to pursue new program locations.

For more information on how to get involved, or become a program location, please visit firstteeontario.ca/ or contact Amaya Athill [email protected].

About the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games
At the peak of Niagara’s boldest summer yet, more than 5,000 up-and-coming athletes, their coaches and support staff will gather in the Niagara Region to compete for the podium in Canada’s largest multi-sport event. From August 6 to 21, 2022, Niagara will surge stronger than ever on the national stage. The 2022 Canada Games, made possible thanks to funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Niagara Region, and the Canada Games Council, will give rise to new
legacies of ambition, confidence, and compassion that will inspire generations to come.

For further information, visit us at niagara2022games.ca or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@2022canadagames).

About First Tee – Canada
First Tee – Canada is a non-profit youth development program operated by Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values for youth through the game of golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and engage youth at golf courses, schools, and community centres in deserving regions across the country.

For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.

For media inquiries, please contact Madelyn Boelhouwer [email protected].

Category: Feature Stories